Article of footwear and sole structure with sensory node elements disposed along sole perimeter

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear including a sole structure attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer is described. The sole structure includes a sole body portion having a plurality of sensory node elements located in apertures in the sole body portion. The sensory node elements have a bottom surface configured to contact the ground and move vertically within the apertures. The movement of sensory node element pushes a top surface of the sensory node element attached to a portion of the upper against the foot of the wearer. The sensory node element provides sensory feedback to the foot of the wearer about the condition of the ground. The sensory node elements are arranged along perimeter edges of the sole structure to provide sensory feedback along the peripheral boundaries of the foot of the wearer.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and, moreparticularly, to an article of footwear and a sole structure havingsensory node elements located along a sole perimeter.

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements,an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for thefoot that comfortably receives and securely positions the foot withrespect to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lowerportion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot andthe ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (that is,providing cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatoryactivities, the sole structure may influence foot motions (for example,by resisting pronation), impart stability, and provide traction, forexample. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operatecooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for awide variety of athletic activities.

The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (forexample, textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, and syntheticleather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define avoid or cavity on the interior of the footwear for comfortably andsecurely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms astructure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, alongmedial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of thefoot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit ofthe footwear, as well as permit entry and removal of the foot from thevoid within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue thatextends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort ofthe footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter or otherstabilizing structure.

In some cases, cushioning provided by a sole structure, whileattenuating ground reaction forces, may undesirably reduce sensoryfeedback by isolating the foot of the wearer from the ground contact.Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a sole structure thatincludes provisions for increasing sensory feedback to a foot of awearer.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides a sole structure for an article offootwear. The sole structure comprises a sole body portion. The solebody portion includes an outsole surface facing away from the article offootwear and an upper surface disposed opposite the outsole surface. Thesole structure also comprises a plurality of sensory node elementsdisposed within apertures in the sole body portion. The apertures can belocated along portions of a lateral side perimeter edge and a medialside perimeter edge of the sole structure. Each of the plurality ofsensory node elements includes a bottom surface configured to engage aground surface and a top surface disposed opposite the bottom surface.The bottom surface of each of the sensory node elements extends abovethe outsole surface of the sole body portion when the sensory nodeelement is in an uncompressed condition. Each of the plurality ofsensory node elements are configured to move vertically within theapertures in the sole body portion so that the bottom surface of thesensory node element moves closer towards the outsole surface of thesole body portion when the sensory node element is in a compressedcondition.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear. Thearticle of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure joined tothe upper. The sole structure comprises a sole body portion. The solebody portion includes an outsole surface facing away from the article offootwear and an upper surface disposed opposite the outsole surface. Thesole structure also comprises a plurality of sensory node elementsdisposed within apertures in the sole body portion. The apertures can belocated along portions of a lateral side perimeter edge and a medialside perimeter edge of the sole structure. Each of the plurality ofsensory node elements includes a bottom surface configured to engage aground surface and a top surface disposed opposite the bottom surface.The bottom surface of each of the sensory node elements extending abovethe outsole surface of the sole body portion when the sensory nodeelement is in an uncompressed condition. The top surface of each of thesensory node elements extending towards an interior of the upper abovethe upper surface of the sole body portion when the sensory node elementis in a compressed condition.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an article of footwear including anexemplary embodiment of a sole structure having sensory node elementsdisposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the article of footwear including anexemplary embodiment of a sole structure having sensory node elementsdisposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the article of footwear including anexemplary embodiment of a sole structure having sensory node elementsdisposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of a sole structurehaving sensory node elements disposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top down view showing the locations of the sensorynode elements with the remaining portion of the sole structure shown inoutline;

FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view of the article of footwearincluding an exemplary embodiment of a sole structure having sensorynode elements disposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 7 is a representational cross-section view of the article offootwear including an exemplary embodiment of a sole structure havingsensory node elements disposed along perimeter edges;

FIG. 8 is a representational cross-section view of a foot within thearticle of footwear with sensory node elements in an uncompressedcondition;

FIG. 9 is a representational cross-section view of a foot within thearticle of footwear with sensory node elements in an compressedcondition;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section view of a sensory node locatedwithin an aperture in the sole structure in an uncompressed condition;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-section view of a sensory node locatedwithin an aperture in the sole structure in a compressed condition;

FIG. 12 is a representational view of an exemplary sensory node element;

FIG. 13 is a representational view of an exemplary sensory node elementwobbling about axes; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-section view of an alternate embodiment ofa sensory node located within an aperture in the sole structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article offootwear and a sole structure for an article of footwear. Conceptsassociated with the article of footwear disclosed herein may be appliedto a variety of athletic footwear types, including skateboarding shoes,performance driving shoes, soccer shoes, running shoes, baseball shoes,basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes,golf shoes, tennis shoes, walking shoes, and hiking shoes and boots, forexample. The concepts may also be applied to footwear types that aregenerally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers,sandals, and work boots. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed hereinapply to a wide variety of footwear types.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal,” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a lengthof a sole structure, i.e., extending from a forefoot region to a heelregion of the sole structure. The term “forward” is used to refer to thegeneral direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term“rearward” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., thedirection in which the heel of the foot is facing.

The term “lateral direction,” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side directionextending a width of a sole structure. In other words, the lateraldirection may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of anarticle of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwearbeing the surface that faces away from the other foot, and the medialside being the surface that faces toward the other foot.

The term “horizontal,” as used throughout this detailed description andin the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel with theground, including the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, andall directions in between. Similarly, the term “side,” as used in thisspecification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a componentfacing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, and/or rearwarddirection, as opposed to an upward or downward direction.

The term “vertical,” as used throughout this detailed description and inthe claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both thelateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a solestructure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical directionmay extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood thateach of these directional adjectives may be applied to an article offootwear, a sole structure, and individual components of a solestructure. The term “upward” refers to the vertical direction headingaway from a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to thevertical direction heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, theterms “top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of anobject substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction,and the terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to theportion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a verticaldirection.

For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, whenused in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the articleof footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facinggroundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearerstanding on a substantially level surface.

FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear 100, also referred to simply as article 100. In someembodiments, article of footwear 100 may include a sole structure 110and an upper 120. For reference purposes, article 100 may be dividedinto three general regions: a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 12,and a heel region 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. Forefoot region 10generally includes portions of article 100 corresponding with the toesand the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfootregion 12 generally includes portions of article 100 corresponding withan arch area of the foot. Heel region 14 generally corresponds with rearportions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 alsoincludes a lateral side 16 and a medial side 18, which extend througheach of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 andcorrespond with opposite sides of article 100. More particularly,lateral side 16 corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., thesurface that faces away from the other foot), and medial side 18corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface thatfaces toward the other foot). Forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, andheel region 14 and lateral side 16, medial side 18 are not intended todemarcate precise areas of article 100. Rather, forefoot region 10,midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 and lateral side 16, medial side18 are intended to represent general areas of article 100 to aid in thefollowing discussion. In addition to article 100, forefoot region 10,midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 and lateral side 16, medial side18 may also be applied to sole structure 110, upper 120, and individualelements thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 is secured to upper 120and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn.Upper 120 defines an interior void within article 100 for receiving andsecuring a foot relative to sole structure 110. The void is shaped toaccommodate the foot and extends along a lateral side of the foot, alonga medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under thefoot. Upper 120 may also include a collar that is located in at leastheel region 14 and forms a throat opening 140. Access to the interiorvoid of upper 120 is provided by throat opening 140. More particularly,the foot may be inserted into upper 120 through throat opening 140, andthe foot may be withdrawn from upper 120 through throat opening 140.

In an exemplary embodiment, upper 120 may be formed from a bootie 122.Bootie 122 can be a one-piece element that entirely covers the top,sides and bottom of a foot of a wearer. The various portions of upper120, including bootie 122, may be formed from one or more of a pluralityof material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers,leather, synthetic leather) that can form the majority of upper 120 orportions can be stitched or bonded together to form upper 120 definingthe void within article 100. In one embodiment, bootie 122 can form amajority of an exterior surface of upper 122. In other embodiments,upper 120 may be a conventional upper formed by multiple materialelement portions and can include edges that are attached to a socklineror strobel sock to extend under the foot and close the interior void ofthe upper 120.

In some embodiments, article 100 can include a lacing system 130. Lacingsystem 130 extends forward from collar and throat opening 140 in heelregion 14 over an area corresponding to an instep of the foot in midfootregion 12 to an area adjacent to forefoot region 10. Lacing system 130includes various components configured to secure a foot within upper 120of article 100 and, in addition to the components illustrated anddescribed herein, may further include additional or optional componentsconventionally included with footwear uppers. In this embodiment, a lace136 extends through various lace-receiving elements to permit the wearerto modify dimensions of upper 120 to accommodate the proportions of thefoot. In the exemplary embodiments, lace-receiving elements areconfigured as a plurality of lace apertures 134. More particularly, lace136 permits the wearer to tighten upper 120 around the foot, and lace136 permits the wearer to loosen upper 120 to facilitate entry andremoval of the foot from the interior void (i.e., through ankle opening140). Lace 136 is shown in FIG. 1, but has been omitted from theremaining Figures for ease of illustration of the remaining componentsof article 100.

As an alternative to plurality of lace apertures 134, upper 120 mayinclude other lace-receiving elements, such as loops, eyelets, andD-rings. In addition, upper 120 includes a tongue 124 that extends overa foot of a wearer when disposed within article 100 to enhance thecomfort of article 100. In this embodiment, tongue 124 is integrallyformed with bootie 122. In other embodiments, tongue 124 may be anindividual component that may move within an opening between oppositelateral and medial sides of upper 120.

In one embodiment, lacing system 130 may further include a support wrap132. Support wrap 132 extends over the outside of bootie 122 andincludes lace apertures 134. In exemplary embodiments, support wrap 132extends between a lower area of upper 120 where upper 120 and solestructure 110 are joined and a lacing area where lace 136 extendsthrough lace apertures 134 over the top of upper 120. With thisconfiguration, lace apertures 134 of lacing system 130 may be providedon support wrap 132 separate from bootie 122 to allow bootie 122 to havea construction without any lace-receiving elements. In otherembodiments, one or more lace-receiving elements, including laceapertures 134, may be located instead, or additionally, on bootie 122 ofupper 120.

In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may include multiple components,which may individually and/or collectively provide article 100 with anumber of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability,cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, traction, and/or other attributes.In various athletic activities, execution of skills involved in suchathletic activities may be performed based on precise placement andinteraction of the wearer's feet with the surface on which theactivities are performed. Therefore, typical cushioning found in thesole structure of footwear used in such activities may reduce the amountof sensory feedback that the wearer can feel from the surface throughthe soles of the footwear. This can adversely affect their ability toposition their feet and interact with the surface on which the activityis performed. For example, in sports and other athletic activities whereweight transfer or cutting motions are commonly performed, sensoryfeedback to the wearer's foot about the condition of the surface and theamount of grip or force being applied at various locations across thewearer's foot can be helpful to the wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, article 100 includes sole structure 110having a sole body portion 112 and a plurality of sensory node elements114. Plurality of sensory node elements 114 are located along perimeteredges of sole structure 110 to provide sensory feedback to a wearer'sfoot about peripheral boundaries for assisting with athletic activities.

In exemplary embodiments, components of sole structure 110 may be formedof suitable materials for achieving the desired performance attributes.Sole body portion 112 may be formed of any suitable rubber, polymer,composite, and/or metal alloy materials. Exemplary materials may includethermoplastic and thermoset polyurethane, polyester, nylon, polyetherblock amide, alloys of polyurethane and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,carbon fiber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (para-aramid fibers,e.g., Kevlar®), titanium alloys, and/or aluminum alloys. In someembodiments, sole body portion 112 may be fashioned from a durable andwear-resistant material (for example, rubber). Other suitable materialswill be recognized by those having skill in the art.

In some embodiments, plurality of sensory node elements 114 may be madeof similar materials as sole body portion 112, including any of thematerials suitable for sole structure 110, described above. In anexemplary embodiment, plurality of sensory node elements 114 may be madefrom a material that has a lower density or lesser hardness than solebody portion 112. For example, in some embodiments, plurality of sensorynode elements 114 may be formed from a resilient polymer foam material,such as polyurethane (PU) or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). In otherembodiments, plurality of sensory node elements 114 may be formed from aless dense rubber or polymer material than sole body portion 112. Instill other embodiments, plurality of sensory node elements 114 and solebody portion 112 may be formed by the same material.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate different views of article 100. As shown in FIG. 1,sole structure 110 may include a plurality of sensory node elements 114.Sensory node elements 114 may be exposed through apertures 600 (shown inFIGS. 6-11) in sole body portion 112. Accordingly, a portion ofplurality of sensory node elements 114 may be exposed to the exterior ofarticle 100 and configured to contact the ground. In this embodiment, abottom surface 115 of plurality of sensory node elements 114 is orientedto be the ground-engaging surface of plurality of sensory node elements114. An opposite top surface 116 (shown in FIG. 5) of plurality ofsensory node elements 114 is disposed facing away from the ground andtowards the interior of upper 120.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole body portion 112 includes a loweroutsole surface 113 that is also exposed to the exterior of article 100and configured to contact the ground. An opposite upper surface 111 ofsole body portion 112 is disposed facing away from the ground andtowards the interior of upper 120, in a similar orientation as topsurface 116 of plurality of sensory node elements 114.

In some embodiments, sole structure 110 includes plurality of sensorynode elements 114 that are arranged along perimeter edges of differentregions and/or portions of article 100 to provide sensory feedback alongthe peripheral boundaries of the wearer's foot. That is, by providingplurality of sensory node elements 114 along perimeter edges of solestructure 110, sensory feedback regarding the location of the medial andlateral sides of the foot in relation to the perimeter edges of solestructure 110 and article 100 can be provided. This type of sensoryfeedback may be helpful in assisting a wearer in determining whether afoot is centered or well-placed over the sole structure of the articleof footwear before making any additional athletic moves or motions. Forexample, sensory feedback from plurality of sensory node elements 114may alert the wearer that his or her foot has reached the perimeter edgeof sole structure 110 so that any further movement or transfer of weightonto that foot may cause an unstable or unbalanced condition from nothaving the foot adequately supported by underlying sole structure 110.Additionally, plurality of sensory node elements 114 can also provide a“push-off” surface for a wearer's foot within an interior of the articleof footwear.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, plurality of sensorynode elements 114 are located along perimeter edges of sole structure110 within various portions of each of forefoot region 10, midfootregion 12, and heel region 14. Additionally, the locations of pluralityof sensory node elements 114 may be varied between lateral side 16 andmedial side 18. Referring to FIG. 2, lateral side 16 of article 100 isillustrated. In this embodiment, plurality of sensory node elements 114are disposed along the lateral perimeter edge of sole structure 110within portions of each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, andheel region 14. The remaining portion of sole structure 110 extendingforward to the toe area of article 100 is formed by sole body portion112.

Referring now to FIG. 3, medial side 18 of article 100 is illustrated.In this embodiment, plurality of sensory node elements 114 are disposedwithin each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region14. Compared with lateral side 16, plurality of sensory node elements114 on medial side 18 extend further towards the toe area of article 100in forefoot region 10 of sole structure 110. In addition, plurality ofsensory node elements 114 on medial side 18 extend along substantiallythe entire medial perimeter edge of sole structure 110 from the rear endof article 100 at heel region 14 to the toe end of article 100 atforefoot region 10.

While the Figures illustrates an embodiment that provides sensory nodeelements disposed along perimeter edges within all regions of the foot,in some embodiments, sole structure 110 may include sensory nodeelements disposed only partially along perimeter edges corresponding tosome portions of the foot and not others. For example, in someembodiments, sensory node elements may be provided only along perimeteredges in forefoot region 10 of article 100. In other embodiments,sensory node elements may be provided along perimeter edges in forefootregion 10 and heel region 14, but not in midfoot region 12 of article100.

In different embodiments, the sizing of the sensory node elements mayvary in order to provide desired performance for the activity for whicharticle 100 is to be used. In an exemplary embodiment, each of theplurality of sensory node elements 114 may be substantially the samesize. The size of plurality of sensory node elements 114 may be selectedso as to be sufficiently large to provide sensory feedback to a wearer'sfoot. In one embodiment, plurality of sensory node elements 114 may havea diameter of approximately 1 inch. An exemplary range of diameters thatare suitable for providing sensory feedback may be approximately from0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. In some cases, the diameter may be larger orsmaller. In other embodiments, the size of each of the plurality ofsensory node elements 114 may be different, depending on the sensitivityof the portion of the foot where sensory feedback is desired. Forexample, in locations where the foot is more sensitive, a smallerdiameter sensory node element may be provided, whereas in locationswhere the foot is less sensitive, a larger diameter sensory node elementcan be provided to increase the ability of the sensory node element toeffectively provide sensory feedback to the wearer's foot. Further, thedensity or proximity of sensory node elements to one another may alsovary according to performance and sensitivity considerations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the underside of sole structure 110of article 100. Sole structure 110 extends along a longitudinal lengthof article 100 between a toe end 400 located at the front of forefootregion 10 to a heel end 410 located at the rear of heel region 14. In anexemplary embodiment, plurality of sensory node elements 114 are locatedalong the perimeter edges of lateral side 16 and medial side 18 withineach of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14.

In some embodiments, a first set of the plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 can extend along a medial perimeter edge on medial side 18.In this embodiment, the first set of sensory node elements 114 includesa first sensory node element 210, a second sensory node element 211, athird sensory node element 212, a fourth sensory node element 213, afifth sensory node element 214, a sixth sensory node element 215, aseventh sensory node element 216, an eighth sensory node element 217, aninth sensory node element 218, and a tenth sensory node element 219that extend along the medial perimeter edge on medial side 18. As shownin FIG. 4, first sensory node element 210 is disposed near toe end 400of sole structure 110 and tenth sensory node element 219 is disposedrearward near heel end 410 in heel region 14. The remaining sensory nodeelements in the first set of the plurality of sensory node elements 114extend along the medial perimeter edge of sole structure 110 in thelongitudinal direction between first sensory node element 210 and tenthsensory node element 219.

In an exemplary embodiment, a second set of the plurality of sensorynode elements 114 extend along a lateral perimeter edge on lateral side16. In this embodiment, the second set of sensory node elements 114includes an eleventh sensory node element 230, a twelfth sensory nodeelement 231, a thirteenth sensory node element 232, a fourteenth sensorynode element 233, a fifteenth sensory node element 234, a sixteenthsensory node element 235, a seventeenth sensory node element 236, and aneighteenth sensory node element 237 that extend along the lateralperimeter edge on lateral side 16. As shown in FIG. 4, eleventh sensorynode element 230 is disposed in forefoot region 10 spaced apart from toeend 400 of sole structure 110 and eighteenth sensory node element 237 isdisposed rearward near heel end 410 in heel region 14. The remainingsensory node elements in the second set of the plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 extend along the lateral perimeter edge of sole structure110 in the longitudinal direction between eleventh sensory node element230 and eighteenth sensory node element 237.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first set of plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 on medial side 18 include a greater number of sensory nodeelements than the second set of plurality of sensory node elements 114on lateral side 16. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 4, firstsensory node element 210 and second sensory node element 211 both extendfarther along the medial perimeter edge in the longitudinal directionand closer to toe end 400 of sole structure 110 than eleventh sensorynode element 230 on the lateral perimeter edge on lateral side 16. Withthis arrangement, first sensory node element 210 and second sensory nodeelement 211 may be located near a big toe of a foot of a wearer on themedial perimeter edge of medial side 18 of sole structure 110 to providesensory feedback to the foot of a wearer. In many sports or athleticmotions, sensory feedback from the big toe of the foot of a wearer canbe helpful in performing the sport or athletic motion. By providingsensory node elements, such as first sensory node element 210 and secondsensory node element 211, in the location corresponding to the big toe,helpful sensory feedback can be provided to the wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, another set of the plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 can be located within heel region 14 and extend in alateral direction across the sole structure 110. In this embodiment, theheel set of plurality of sensory node elements 114 includes a nineteenthsensory node element 220, a twentieth sensory node element 221, and atwenty-first sensory node element 222 located at heel end 410 andextending around from medial side 18 to lateral side 16 in heel region14. With this arrangement, this heel set of plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 located in heel region 14 of sole structure 110 can providesensory feedback to the heel of a foot of a wearer.

In one embodiment, the arrangement of sets of plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 along the medial perimeter edge and the lateral perimeteredge on sole structure 110 may be separated by sole body portion 112extending in between. For example, outsole surface 113 of sole bodyportion 112 may be exposed between the first set of plurality of sensorynode elements on medial side 18 and the second set of plurality ofsensory node elements on lateral side 16 of sole structure 110. In someembodiments, outsole surface 113 may further include additional featuresthat assist with providing traction to sole structure 110. In oneembodiment, a plurality of grooves 202 is disposed in outsole surface113 of sole body portion 112. Plurality of grooves 202 can bedepressions or recesses in sole body portion 112 that extend belowsurrounding outsole surface 113. In this embodiment, plurality ofgrooves 202 is arranged in an approximately concentric arrangement, witheach groove being substantially evenly spaced apart from adjacentgrooves. With this configuration, outsole surface 113 of sole bodyportion 112 may assist with providing traction or grip to article 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates an interior top down view of the inner side of solestructure 110 of article 100, with upper 120 and sole body portion 112shown in outline. In some embodiments, each of plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 may have a top surface 116 located at a top end where eachsensory node element has a smaller diameter than an opposite bottom endwhere bottom surface 115 is located. As will be further described below,top surface 116 of each of plurality of sensory node elements 114 isattached to a base layer 128 of upper 120. In this case, base layer 128is a bottom portion of bootie 122 that extends under a foot of a wearer.In other cases, where article 100 includes other embodiments of upper120, base layer 128 may be formed by a sockliner, a strobel sock, or aninsole that encloses upper 120.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded isometric view of article 100, includingcomponents of each of sole structure 110, upper 120, and lacing system130. As shown in FIG. 6, sole structure 110 includes plurality ofsensory node elements 114 and sole body portion 112. Sole body portion112 includes apertures 600 that receive plurality of sensory nodeelements 114. Apertures 600 permit top surface 116 of plurality ofsensory node elements 114 to be attached to upper 120 and allow forindependent movement of plurality of sensory node elements 114 from solebody portion 112 when bottom surface 115 of plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 contact a surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of various sets of pluralityof sensory node elements 114 along the medial perimeter edge and thelateral perimeter edge of sole structure 110 may be separated by solebody portion 112, as described above. In this embodiment, sole bodyportion 112 includes apertures 600 disposed along each of the medialperimeter edge on medial side 18 of sole structure 110, the lateralperimeter edge on lateral side 16 of sole structure 110, and extendingfrom medial side 18 to lateral side 16 around heel end 410 at the rearof sole structure 110.

In other embodiments, apertures 600 can each correspond to a single oneof plurality of sensory node elements 114, or apertures 600 may beconfigured to receive multiple sensory node elements of plurality ofsensory node elements 114. In some cases, a combination of apertures 600may be used at different portions of sole structure 110 so that someapertures 600 include one sensory node element, while other apertures600 include multiple sensory node elements.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, support wrap 132 oflacing system 130 may be provided by separate components for each oflateral side 16 and medial side 18 of upper 120. In this embodiment,support wrap includes a medial support portion 700 on medial side 18 anda lateral support portion 702 on lateral side 16. Together, medialsupport portion 700 and lateral support portion 702 form support wrap132 and include plurality of lace apertures 134 for receiving lace 136.Support wrap 132 extends over the outside of bootie 122 and assists withfastening article 100 to a foot of a wearer. Support wrap 132, includingeach of medial support portion 700 and lateral support portion 702, maybe joined to portions of sole structure 110, portions of upper 120, orboth.

FIGS. 7-9 provide an exemplary representational illustration of sensoryfeedback provided to a foot of a wearer by sole structure 110 andplurality of sensory node elements 114. In some embodiments, bootie 122forming upper 120 can be joined to sole body portion 112 and pluralityof sensory node elements 114. As shown in FIG. 7, base layer 128 is abottom portion of bootie 122 that is configured to extend under a footof a wearer. Base layer 128 is joined to upper surface 111 of sole bodyportion 112 and also joined to top surface 116 of plurality of sensorynode elements 114. In this embodiment, each sensory node element ofplurality of sensory node elements 114 is shown within a respectiveaperture of apertures 600 in sole body portion 112. This arrangementallows top surface 116 of each of plurality of sensory node elements 114to be attached to base layer 128 of bootie 122. Additionally, pluralityof sensory node elements 114 are not attached or joined to sole bodyportion 112 so that plurality of sensory node elements 114 are permittedto wobble and independently move in at least a vertical direction withinapertures 600 in sole body portion.

Referring now to FIG. 8, foot 800 is shown disposed with the interiorvoid of upper 120 in article 100. The bottom of foot 800 is in contactwith various portions of base layer 128. Article 100 is shown here in anuncompressed condition before article 100 is placed in contact with aground surface 900. In this uncompressed condition, each of plurality ofsensory node elements 114 has top surface 116 that is approximatelyflush or even with upper surface 111 of sole body portion 112. Pluralityof sensory node elements 114, including first sensory node element 210,second sensory node element 211, third sensory node element 212, fourthsensory node element 213, a fifth sensory node element 214, sixthsensory node element 215, seventh sensory node element 216, eighthsensory node element 217, ninth sensory node element 218, tenth sensorynode element 219, and nineteenth sensory node element 220, are shownwithin apertures 600 in sole body portion 112 in an uncompressedcondition along the medial perimeter edge on medial side 18.

As foot 800 wearing article 100 steps onto ground surface 900, article100 is placed in a compressed condition. Referring now to FIG. 9,article 100 is shown being compressed by foot 800 against ground surface900. In various cases, ground surface 900 may have one or more objectsor uneven features. In this embodiment, ground surface 900 includes afirst object 902. First object 902 can be a rock, debris, or any otherchange in surface topology of ground surface 900, such as a hill, mound,divot, or depression.

In this embodiment, when article 100 is in the compressed condition, oneor more of plurality of sensory node elements 114 can transmit or relaysensory feedback regarding the condition or topology of ground surface900 through sole structure 110 to foot 800. As shown in FIG. 9, firstobject 902 on ground surface 900 can push each of second sensory nodeelement 211, third sensory node element 212, and fourth sensory nodeelement 213 upwards through apertures 600 in sole body portion 112. Thisupwards vertical motion of second sensory node element 211, thirdsensory node element 212, and fourth sensory node element 213 causes topsurface 116 to push base layer 128 upwards and contact foot 800 in thearea corresponding to the location of first object 902 on ground surface900. With this sensory feedback, a wearer can feel that there is anobject or uneven area of ground surface 900 that is disposed along themedial perimeter edge of forefoot region 10 on medial side 18 of article100.

By providing sole structure 110 of article 100 with plurality of sensorynode elements 114 disposed along perimeter edges of sole structure 110that corresponds generally with the peripheral boundaries of a foot of awearer, sensory feedback may be similarly provided to the respectiveportions of the foot and give the wearer information about the conditionor topology of the ground surface in contact with sole structure 110 ofarticle 100. This type of sensory feedback may be helpful in assisting awearer in determining whether a foot is centered or well-placed oversole structure 110 of article of footwear 100 before making anyadditional athletic moves or motions on an uneven or unstable groundsurface 900. For example, sensory feedback from second sensory nodeelement 211, third sensory node element 212, and fourth sensory nodeelement 213 in forefoot region 10 of the medial perimeter edge on medialside 18 may alert the wearer that foot 800 has reached the perimeteredge of sole structure 110 so that any further movement or transfer ofweight onto foot 800 may cause an unstable or unbalanced condition onground surface 900 from not having foot 800 adequately supported byunderlying sole structure 110. Additionally, plurality of sensory nodeelements 114 underlying the foot of the wearer can provide a “push off”surface for the foot within the interior of the article of footwear toassist with making athletic maneuvers or cutting motions.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the isolated motion of an exemplary one ofplurality of sensory node elements 114 relative to sole body portion 112and base layer 128 of bootie 122. Referring now to FIG. 10, sensory nodeelement 114 is located in aperture 600 of sole body portion 112 andmoves at least vertically within aperture 600 independently from solebody portion 112. That is, while portions of sensory node element 114may contact portions of sole body portion 112 when sensory node element114 moves through aperture 600, sole body portion 112 and sensory nodeelement 114 are not directly joined or attached to each other. With thisarrangement, sensory node element 114 is able to wobble and moveindependently of sole body portion 112 and sensory node element 114 canbe displaced vertically relative to outsole surface 113 of sole bodyportion 112.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole body portion 112 may have a firstheight H1. First height H1 corresponds to the thickness of sole bodyportion 112 in the vertical direction extending between the foot of thewearer and the ground. Sensory node element 114 may have a second heightH2 that corresponds to the height or thickness of the sensory nodeelement in the same vertical direction. In this embodiment, secondheight H2 of sensory node element 114 is larger than first height H1 ofsole body portion 112. With this arrangement, bottom surface 115 ofsensory node element 114 extends above outsole surface 113 of sole bodyportion 112 such that bottom surface 115 of sensory node element 114will generally initially contact the ground before outsole surface 113of sole body portion 112.

In this embodiment, aperture 600 in sole body portion 112 may define anopening in sole body portion 112 that has a first width W1. Sensory nodeelement 114 is located within the opening defined by aperture 600 andhas a second width W2. In some cases, where sensory node element 114 hasa truncated cone shape, second width W2 may also be a diameter ofsensory node element 114. Second width W2 of sensory node element 114 issmaller than first width W1 of the opening defined by aperture 600. Withthis arrangement, sensory node element 114 may fit within aperture 600of sole body portion 112 and have at least some clearance with the sidesof aperture 600.

In this embodiment, base layer 128 of bootie 122 includes an innersurface 1000 facing towards the interior void of upper 120 and an outersurface 1002 facing away from article 100 and towards the ground. Outersurface 1002 of base layer 128 is attached to upper surface 111 of solebody portion 112 and also attached to top surface 116 of sensory nodeelement 114. In FIG. 10, sensory node element 114 is shown in anuncompressed condition so that top surface 116 is approximately even orflush with upper surface 111 of sole body portion 112. Similarly, in thearea of bootie 122 shown in FIG. 10, inner surface 1000 of base layer128 also has an approximately uniform or even height above both topsurface 116 and upper surface 111.

Referring now to FIG. 11, sensory node element 114 is shown in acompressed condition, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 9above. In the compressed condition, bottom surface 115 of sensory nodeelement 114 contacts ground surface 900 and bottom surface 115 ofsensory node element 114 moves closer towards outsole surface 113 of thesole body portion 112. This movement also forces top surface 116 ofsensory node element 114 upwards against outer surface 1002 of baselayer 128. Sensory node element 114 is permitted to move independentlyof sole body portion 112 through aperture 600, causing the localizedarea of base layer 128 that is attached to top surface 116 of sensorynode element 114 to be moved upwards to form a raised inner surface 1010of base layer 128. Raised inner surface 1010 can then contact theunderside of a foot of a wearer to provide the sensory feedback aboutground surface 900. Additionally, raised inner surface 1010 can providethe wearer's foot with a “push off” surface for making athleticmaneuvers or cutting motions.

In this embodiment, raised inner surface 1010 extends above innersurface 1000 by a first distance D1. First distance D1 is approximatelyequal to the difference between second height H2 of sensory node element114 and first height H1 of sole body portion 112. That is, the amountthat top surface 116 of sensory node element 114 raises base layer 128so that raised inner surface 1010 extends above inner surface 1000 whenin the compressed condition is approximately the same as the amount thatbottom surface 115 of sensory node element 114 extends above outsolesurface 113 of sole body portion 112 when article 100 is in theuncompressed condition.

With this configuration, the amount of first distance D1 can beconfigured as desired based on selection of first height H1, secondheight H2, or both. For example, in some cases, the distance of raisedinner surface 1010 of base layer 128 may be higher or lower to contactportions of the foot of the wearer. Selection of a larger or smallerfirst height H1 for sole body portion 112 and/or a smaller or largersecond height H2 for sensory node element 114 can accommodate differentdistances needed for raised inner surface 1010 to contact a foot.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a representativesensory node element of plurality of sensory node elements 114. In thisembodiment, sensory node element 114 includes a top end 1200 where topsurface 116 is located and a bottom end 1202 where bottom surface 115 islocated. A body portion 1210 of sensory node element 114 extends betweentop end 1200 and bottom end 1202 and includes a side surface 1212. Inone embodiment, top end 1200 has a smaller diameter than the oppositebottom end 1202 so as to define an approximately truncated cone shape ofsensory node element 114. In different embodiments, the distance betweentop end 1300 and bottom end 1302 can vary so as to vary the length ofbody portion 1310 and, thereby, the height of sensory node element 114.In an exemplary embodiment, bottom surface 115 of sensory node element114 is convex. In one embodiment, bottom surface 115 of sensory nodeelement 114 may be approximately hemispherical. In other embodiments,however, the shape of sensory node element 114 may vary, including, butnot limited to triangular, cylindrical, spherical, round, and othergeometric and non-geometric shapes. Additionally, in other embodiments,bottom surface 115 may be flat or uneven.

In this embodiment, the truncated cone shape of sensory node element 114and convex bottom surface 115 allow sensory node element to wobble aboutat least two axes. As shown in FIG. 12, sensory node element 114 has afirst axis 20 aligned approximately with an x-axis, a second axis 30aligned approximately with a y-axis, and a third axis 40 alignedapproximately with a z-axis. In some embodiments, sensory node element114 can wobble or move about two or three of first axis 20, second axis30, and/or third axis 40. In some cases, the x-axis may be associatedwith a lateral direction of article 100, the y-axis may be associatedwith a longitudinal direction of article 100, and the z-axis may beassociated with a vertical direction of article 100. It should beunderstood, however, that the designation and selection of coordinatesystems may be varied.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, sensory node element 114 is shownwobbling about at least two axes so that the orientation of bottomsurface 115 and top surface 116 is changed. Wobbling of sensory nodeelement 114 can be caused by the transmission of forces or instabilityof the ground surface relative to article 100. With this configuration,sensory node elements 114 can wobble about at least two axes withinapertures 600 in the sole body portion 112 to transmit sensory feedbackto a foot of a wearer.

In previous embodiments, base layer 128 of bootie 122 is shown attachedto top surface 116 of sensory node element 114 and upper surface 111 ofsole body portion 112. In some cases, outer surface 1002 of base layer128 can be attached to upper surface 111 of sole body portion 112 up tothe edge of the opening defining apertures 600. For example, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. In other cases, a predetermined amount of slack or giveto accommodate the upwards vertical motion of top surface 116 of sensorynode element 114 may be provided to base layer 128 by keeping a portionof outer surface 1002 of base layer 128 unattached to upper surface 111of sole body portion 112.

Referring now to FIG. 14, outer surface 1002 of base layer 128 remainsunattached to upper surface 111 of sole body portion 112 along a margin1400 located at a predetermined distance D2 surrounding apertures 600 insole body portion 112. Margin 1400 permits base layer 128 to have apredetermined amount of slack or give to accommodate the upwardsvertical motion of top surface 116 of sensory node element 114 when inthe compressed condition. As shown in FIG. 14, margin 1400 extendingpredetermined distance D2 around aperture 600, allows inner surface 1000of base layer 128 to rise to raised inner surface 1010.

In some embodiments, base layer 128 may be formed from a flexible orstretchable layer or membrane, including materials made of elastic,rubber, woven or knit textiles, or other suitable flexible materials. Insuch cases, base layer 128 may stretch as needed to accommodate theupwards vertical motion of top surface 116 of sensory node element 114when in the compressed condition. Additionally, such flexible orstretchable layer may be resilient to assist with forcing sensory nodeelement 114 back to the uncompressed condition when force from a foothas been removed. However, in other embodiments, base layer 128 may needto accommodate additional displacement or increased sensitivity that maybe lost if using a material that is too resilient. Additionally, inother embodiments, base layer 128 may be made from a non-stretchable orinflexible material. Accordingly, in these other embodiments, thealternate embodiment of attaching base layer 128 to upper surface 111 ofsole body portion 112 using margin 1400, as described in reference toFIG. 14 above, may assist with upwards vertical motion of top surface116 of sensory node element 114 when in the compressed condition.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, thesole structure comprising: a sole body portion, the sole body portionincluding an outsole surface facing away from the article of footwearand an upper surface disposed opposite the outsole surface; and aplurality of sensory node elements disposed within apertures in the solebody portion, the apertures defining at least a portion of a lateralside perimeter edge and a medial side perimeter edge of the solestructure; each of the plurality of sensory node elements including abottom surface configured to engage a ground surface and a top surfacedisposed opposite the bottom surface; the bottom surface of each of thesensory node elements extending below the outsole surface of the solebody portion when the sensory node element is in an uncompressedcondition; and wherein each of the plurality of sensory node elementsare configured to move vertically within the apertures in the sole bodyportion so that the bottom surface of the sensory node element movescloser towards the outsole surface of the sole body portion when thesensory node element is in a compressed condition, wherein the sole bodyportion extends between respective ones of the plurality of sensory nodeelements on the lateral side perimeter edge and respective ones of theplurality of sensory node elements on the medial side perimeter edge,the sensory node elements on the lateral perimeter side extendinglaterally beyond the lateral side perimeter edge of the sole structureand the sensory node elements on the medial side perimeter edgeextending medially beyond the medial side perimeter edge of the solestructure.
 2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the topsurface of each sensory node element is attached to a base layer; andwherein the base layer is attached to the upper surface of the sole bodyportion.
 3. The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the baselayer remains unattached to the upper surface of the sole body portionat a predetermined distance surrounding the apertures in the sole bodyportion.
 4. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein each of thesensory node elements is unattached to the aperture.
 5. The solestructure according to claim 1, wherein each of the sensory nodeelements has an approximately truncated cone shape.
 6. The solestructure according to claim 5, wherein the bottom surface of thesensory node elements is convex.
 7. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of sensory node elements are located inat least portions of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heelregion along each of the lateral side perimeter edge and the medial sideperimeter edge of the sole structure.
 8. The sole structure according toclaim 7, wherein the plurality of sensory node elements extend furthertoward a toe end of sole structure on the medial side perimeter edgethan on the lateral side perimeter edge.
 9. An article of footwear, thearticle of footwear comprising: an upper; and a sole structure joined tothe upper, the sole structure comprising: a sole body portion, the solebody portion including an outsole surface facing away from the articleof footwear and an upper surface disposed opposite the outsole surface,the sole body portion having apertures that define at least a portionlocated along portions of a lateral side perimeter edge and a medialside perimeter edge of the sole structure; and a plurality of sensorynode elements disposed within the perimeter-defining apertures in thesole body portion and extending outwardly beyond the lateral sideperimeter edge and the medial side perimeter edge of the sole structure;each of the plurality of sensory node elements including a bottomsurface configured to engage a ground surface and a top surface disposedopposite the bottom surface; the bottom surface of each of the sensorynode elements extending below the outsole surface of the sole bodyportion when the sensory node element is in an uncompressed condition;and the top surface of each of the sensory node elements extendingtowards an interior of the upper above the upper surface of the solebody portion when the sensory node element is in a compressed condition.10. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the topsurface of each sensory node element is attached to a base layer; andwherein the base layer is attached to the upper surface of the sole bodyportion.
 11. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein thebase layer is a portion of the upper.
 12. The article of footwearaccording to claim 10, wherein the base layer is an insole.
 13. Thearticle of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the base layer is aflexible material that permits the plurality of sensory node elements tomove vertically relative to the outsole surface of the sole bodyportion.
 14. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein eachof the sensory node elements is attached to the base layer in aspaced-apart configuration to permit independent movement of the sensorynode elements.
 15. The article of footwear according to claim 9, whereinthe plurality of sensory node elements are located in at least portionsof a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region along each ofthe lateral side perimeter edge and the medial side perimeter edge ofthe sole structure.
 16. The article of footwear according to claim 15,wherein the plurality of sensory node elements extend further toward atoe end of sole structure on the medial side perimeter edge than on thelateral side perimeter edge.